DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11400 ISSN: 0924-9338

Clinical Outcomes of Ketamine Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD in Post-TBI Patients

W. Aldulaimy, A. Shah

Introduction

TBI patients often suffer from severe, treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Ketamine shows promise in non-TBI populations, but its efficacy in TBI patients needs exploration for efficacy and tolerability.

Objectives

Evaluate ketamine’s clinical effectiveness and safety (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5 scores) in post-TBI patients, comparing IM, intranasal, and oral routes.

Methods

Design: Retrospective chart review of 35 adult TBI patients (mean age 38.4; TBI 3.5 years prior).

Formulations: IM (0.5-0.75 mg/kg), Intranasal (84 mg esketamine), and Oral Dissolving Tablets (100-300 mg).

Measures: PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5 scores.

Analysis: Efficacy by % reduction, response (≥50% reduction), and remission (PHQ-9 < 5, PCL-5 < 20).

Results

Magnitude: Large effect sizes observed (32.7% GAD-7/ODT to 65.6% PCL-5/Nasal). Clinical: 72% response, 45% remission rates. Route-Dependent: Parenteral (IM/Nasal) outperformed ODT due to better bioavailability. Rapid Onset: Initial improvement within 5-10 days. Safety: Favorable profile with mild, transient adverse events.

Conclusions

Magnitude: Large effect sizes observed (32.7% GAD-7/ODT to 65.6% PCL-5/Nasal). Clinical: 72% response, 45% remission rates. Route-Dependent: Parenteral (IM/Nasal) outperformed ODT due to better bioavailability. Rapid Onset: Initial improvement within 5-10 days. Safety: Favorable profile with mild, transient adverse events. 1. Directions

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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